in my head every time I do something. Happiness is what I want, but the minute I get within an inch of it, he’s there.” Tears slide down my face. It’s not going to be a pretty sight since I didn’t use waterproof mascara. I couldn’t care less, though.
Jase’s body is against mine, and he wraps me in his familiar musky scent. A wave of security and calm washes over me. “I can help you if you’ll let me. Let me in, Charity. Let me be your person.”
“I know it’s you,” I blurt out.
He pulls back slightly but keeps a hold on me. His contact is soothing the turmoil within me. “Me, what?”
“Mystery Man.”
“Paislee told you,” he says, and I nod. “Good, because I was going to tell you anyway tonight. I’m sick of playing games. You deserve to know it’s me.”
“I think I should go home. I’m not in a partying mood.”
“Did you eat tonight? Do you want to come back to my place until your head settles, and we can get some food into you?”
I shrug. “I can’t remember. Everything is kind of a blur. I received a call to say that my dad’s stuff was arriving, and it’s thrown me. I don’t want to deal with any of it.” Tears fill my eyes again.
“Come on. Let’s get out of here.” Jase wraps his arm around my waist, securing me against him, and leads me out of the party.
Of course she’d be thrown with everything that belonged to her father showing up. How is she supposed to deal with all those memories, especially the painful ones?
When we arrive at my place, I help her out of the car. “You could have just taken me home. I feel bad leaving the party the girls put together for me.”
“Trust me, they’ll think you were there all night. They drink a lot more than you do.”
She giggles. “I’m not much of a drinker if you didn’t already notice. Perhaps it’s a sign that I shouldn’t do it.”
“That’s your decision,” I say. “There’s no way I’d tell a girl what to do or not to do.”
“You’re such a gentleman.” She playfully pokes me in the chest and laughs. Clearly, those drinks are really hitting her now.
After leading her inside, I sit her down on the couch. “I’ll go and put some food together for you. Do you want to watch a movie?”
“I can think of another thing I’ve never done that we could do.”
My body heats with her admission.
Clearing my throat, I say, “Well, maybe not tonight. When you’re sober would be a better time for something like that. I’ll be back.”
There’s no way I plan on deflowering this girl when she’s drunk. She’s everything and more. With her, I have to tread slowly. Baby steps. She’s fragile, and who knows what’s going to spook her.
I head to the kitchen and get to work. Five minutes later, I return and hand her the plate with a cheese and ham sandwich on it along with a bottle of water. “Here you go.” She takes it and places it on her lap before taking a small bite. “You need to eat the whole thing, and I’m sure tomorrow you’re not going to be feeling so hot.”
“Urgh, I’m not looking forward to that. I can already feel a dull ache sitting in the back of my head. Thanks for looking after me tonight.”
Reaching out, I place my hand on her leg and give it a small squeeze. This girl is so much more than what she thinks of herself. “Like I said, I’m here for you. I don’t plan on going anywhere. And when you’re ready, do you think we could give us a shot?”
She starts coughing and choking on her sandwich.
“Here.” I hand her the water bottle. She downs a couple of mouthfuls.
“Sorry, my throat is dry. Jase. You’re amazing, and you’ve been so patient with me, but I’m not sure I can do this right now. I’m all messed up.” She taps her head, and red-hot anger pours through me.
“You are not crazy. That stupid man who called himself your father wasn’t much of one. If anything, you should be doing the opposite of whatever he said. It’s all wrong.” I sigh and suck in a breath to calm myself down. When I meet her gaze, she’s wide-eyed, and I sense I somewhat frightened her. I take her hand. “I’m sorry. It’s just when it comes to you, I get so angry when